Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek help. Remember: the house always has an edge, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. By accessing online pokies, you confirm that you are of legal age in your jurisdiction. If you are under 18, please do not proceed.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food, medication)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you identify with several of these signs, professional support is available and can help.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Many online gambling platforms offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling platforms for a longer period (months or years)
Use these tools proactively to keep your gambling enjoyable and within your control.
Support Organisations & Resources for New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact these organisations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline Aotearoa
Free, confidential, 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation
Support, information, and resources
Website: www.pgf.nz
International Resources
- Australia – Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - United Kingdom – GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk - United Kingdom – GamStop
National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org - USA – National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If gambling is causing you distress, affecting your relationships, finances, or wellbeing, please reach out for support. There is no shame in asking for help — many people have recovered from problem gambling with professional assistance.
Contact the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa today: 0800 654 655 (available 24/7, free and confidential)
Your wellbeing matters. Help is just a call away.